"Teachers can't control 30 kids," he said. This
means fewer students per grade and the need for more space.

Many board members felt that if parents and others would
only visit the school directly, they would be convinced of the need for
space.

At one point during the discussion, Doering asked all three
principals if they could field public tours on a large scale.

Board Member Charles Weber suggested having an all-day
open house at the respective schools to observe the crowding.

"They should come in and see," Doering said.

New district goals

The board also adopted new district goals, following its
recent retreat.

The following subjects were assigned to principals and
department heads, which will bring plans for implementation back to the
board by April 1.

· high student achievement. The district will attempt
to bring all students at or above grade levels in reading and math.

Students will also meet or exceed high academic standards
in communication skills.

· Safe and welcoming learning environment. Students
and staff are to be respectful, and support a safe and respectful learning
environment.

· efficient and effective operations. This goal
is meant to ensure an ongoing internal and external communications. "Parents
and guardians are valued and active in student achievement," according
to the criteria.

There is also a stipulation that makes reference to fiscal
responsibility and using responsibility in managing resources.

The district also adopted a resolution that would require
keeping a minimum fund balance of 12 percent for district funds, which represents
about six weeks of bills to the district, Ladd said.

The board spent time talking about its reserve funds, which
is currently at $1.2 million, down from $1.7 million last year.

Board member Charlie Borrell indicated that he is uncomfortable
living off the reserves and suggested making the minimum fund balance 15
percent.

However, others wondered if keeping large reserves is a
good idea during the state budget crisis.

Chairman Jim Raymond asked if it is a good idea to keep
the reserves while the school is attempting a bond referendum next year,
asking the public to fund a new school.

Board member John Lideen agreed with this, saying it is
a financially conservative community.

Others wondered what the school would do if a boiler went
out, or some other major expense happens unexpectedly.

"Our facilities are older," Borrell pointed out.

Borrell's motion for 15 percent died for lack of a second.

Instead, the board approved the 12 percent suggested by
Ladd.

Precinct voting

The board also discussed breaking the district into precincts.

This would provide for three precincts, with two members
representing each area, and one at large board member.

This must be done by petition from 15 percent of voters,
or by the board and approved by voters. It would require a special election.

Borrell noted that no one from Waverly was on the board
during site discussion in recent years.

The precincts are based on population.

Ladd will bring information back to the board about it.

It was noted that the next election will have five seats
out of the seven open on the board. One of these seats will be made a two-year
term instead of four year, so that the entire board will not turn over regularly,
since five seats would be up at one time.